Why Plant Another Church In Christian America (Part 4)

The most common question I’m asked these days about launching a church into Spokane is, “So, do you have a building?”  While this is obviously a relevant question, it definitely stirs my thinking since my own definition of “church” looks like people gathering together to worship and serve, not a building.  I think most people asking me about a building simply mean, “Do you have a place to meet together?” but it also speaks to the need for us to see church life through a wider lens. 

The frequent misconception of church as a steepled building is a big one in North America, where we have all-too-often altered Jesus’ words, “On this rock I will build my church,” to mean building a structure of brick, wood or steel, panes of glass, stages and lights, when He was actually talking about people being drawn together by His grace through faith in His saving power.  We may know this in our heads but here’s a reminder:  Church is people.  Church is a community of believers.  Church is about relationship, discipleship and mission together.  And that church can meet anywhere.  It can also go anywhere since the people aren’t limited to a facility.

Missional community

Every few weeks in Spokane a really cool thing happens.  Instead of holding their normal church gathering Vintage Church goes out on a Sunday morning for a church “scattering.”  They understand something that I hope we as a church will “get” as well.  The whole church, not just an exclusive or elite team, is involved in serving the community together.  There is an understanding that community is important and that a Christian community thrives best when it includes serving others together.

I dream about a vibrant community of believers like this that demonstrates genuine love for one another in the way we relate not only to each other, but also in the way we serve the people and community of Spokane.  Even while it is still barely more than a “twinkle in my eye” Grace Church Spokane already exists to serve.  I envision a community centered around Christ that turns to face outward, embracing neighborhoods, people groups and even other nations together.  I’d bet that many people who have said, “I like Jesus but I avoid the church,” haven’t experienced church like this.  We want to give them the opportunity.

Every Member Involved

While training is important and necessary, it doesn’t take a seminary-trained theologian to tell someone what God has done in his or her life.  While there are always more answers to be found to difficult questions, even the newest believer can share with a friend how God has changed his or her life!  Every follower of Jesus has a unique story to tell, and we want to equip and encourage people to share their own story of how Jesus has impacted their lives.  Through relationship, through service and even through structured invitational events there will be many opportunities to engage friends, family and neighbors with the power and grace of God.

Making disciples

In their book, Breaking the Missional Code, Ed Stetzer and David Putman say, “Making and multiplying disciples involves three things:  (1) living like Jesus lived, (2) loving like Jesus loved, and (3) leaving behind what Jesus left behind.”  To put it simply, we really want to do this!  We want to help others do this!  We want to see the people we love and serve become mature believers who live and love like Jesus, leaving behind things that stand in the way of His calling in our lives. 

·        We aim to be a missional community where every member is involved in making disciples of Jesus.

The more I think, dream, pray and plan toward leading and serving a church that embraces being a missional, disciple-making community the more excited and full of faith I become!  Please pray for my family and for those that are planning on coming with us into this new adventure in God.  Pray that God enables us to live out what we believe He is challenging us to do!  Allow me to be so bold as to challenge you to consider whether you may be called to be a part of this team!